UNIQLO, the global apparel retailer, has announced that contemporary artist KAWS, known for his unique pop-culture-inspired art, has become the brand’s first-ever Artist In Residence. Through this role, KAWS will strengthen UNIQLO’s Art For All initiatives via global art events at UNIQLO stores and in collaboration with the brand’s museum partners. He will also contribute to the development of future LifeWear products, with the debut collection set for Fall/Winter 2025.
KAWS shared his excitement about the appointment: “I am thrilled to be taking this next step with my longtime partner UNIQLO to become the brand’s first Artist In Residence. In this role, I hope to tap into the art community and global creatives to curate the next generation of UNIQLO collaborators. I am looking forward to working on exciting new kinds of LifeWear.”
John C Jay, President of Global Creative at Fast Retailing, commented: “In our ever-evolving world, art is now more important than ever as an expression of our humanity. KAWS has been breaking the traditional boundaries of the art world, just as UNIQLO in its efforts to redefine the apparel industry through LifeWear. As our Artist In Residence, KAWS will help UNIQLO to expand the global appreciation and participation of art and creativity for all.”
The Artist In Residence program will serve as a platform to introduce new collaborators, propose innovative concepts, support the UT Grand Prix competitions, and participate in events with UNIQLO Global Brand Ambassadors.
As the first Artist In Residence, KAWS will enhance the LifeWear philosophy of Art For All through museum partnerships and flagship store events worldwide. Beyond UT (UNIQLO T-shirt) projects, he will play an active role in shaping future LifeWear collections, starting Fall/Winter 2025.
UNIQLO and KAWS Collaboration Timeline:
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2016: Spring/Summer UT KAWS
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2017: Spring/Summer KAWS × PEANUTS
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2018: Spring/Summer KAWS × SESAME STREET
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2019: Spring/Summer KAWS: SUMMER
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2021: Spring/Summer KAWS TOKYO FIRST
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2023: Fall/Winter UT KAWS (KAWS art book)
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2024: Fall/Winter KAWS + Warhol
(Full archive available at UNIQLO UT Archive)
